Labelling machine

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a machine for the labeling of items, such as containers or the like, with at least one carousel, at least one labeling unit for the labeling of the items positioned on its periphery, and synchronously drivable transport elements for the feeding and removing of the items in a manner adjusted to position, whereby the transport elements are supported on a table plate, and the carousel is supported in a rotary bearing positioned outside the table plate.

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The invention relates to a machine for the labeling of items (bottles, boxes, or the like) in accordance with the introductory portion of claim 1 or 22, respectively.

[0002] In conventionally-designed labeling machines, all essential assembly units (carousel, transport elements, labeling units, etc.) are located on a large common table plate which forms the base of the machine, so to speak. The space-consuming construction type and poor accessibility to the individual assembly units, which makes maintenance and cleaning works more difficult, is disadvantageous.

[0003] It has already been proposed, by DE 31 34 661 A1, to support a centrally free processing carousel, along with the transport elements for the supplying and removing of the items [to be labeled ] as well as the labeling units, on a shortened table plate (FIG. 3). Despite the proposed shortening, the remaining table plate is always still relatively large and expensive. The primary disadvantage, however, is the lack of flexibility in regard to later changes of the machine configuration, as is the case in most conventionally-designed labeling machines. These are, as a rule, connected with a considerable expense, so that a new machine is frequently more cost-effective than an extensive modification of an existing machine.

[0004] It is additionally known from DE 197 41 476 A1 to position the processing carousel, the transport elements for the supplying and removing of the items to be labeled, as well as the labeling units in a labeling machine each separately on their own underframes (FIG. 4), rather than on a common table plate (FIG. 1). This system offers advantages for the user in relation to a flexible module construction type if all of the above-stated elements of the machine can each be acted on by its own motor drive, but brings about increased expenditure in terms of drive technology, however.

[0005] On the other hand, the task which forms the basis for the invention is that of describing a simple and cost-effective machine for the labeling of items which has high flexibility and good accessibility.

[0006] This task is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1 or 22, respectively.

[0007] Through the fact that only the transport elements (intake—and discharge star wheels, adjusting helix, conveyor belts) supplying and removing the items to and from the carousel are supported on a common table plate, it can be advantageously kept very compact, whereby the drive elements (motor, toothed wheels, traction mechanism gear, shafts, or the like) can be attached, in a more favorable manner, to the lower side of the table plate, while the actual carousel for the processing of the items during the labeling process, with its rotary bearing outside the table plate, is positioned separately by itself on its own support frame.

[0008] This solution makes it possible to obtain a cost-favorable drive system of the transport elements with only one motor drive, while the further distribution of the force transmission is carried out, in the manner mentioned, by means of mechanical elements. At the same time, a good accessibility of the free-standing processing carousel, and of the individual and likewise free-standing labeling units, which can be placed on the circumference of the carousel at any positions desired, depending on the equipment variants desired, is provided. These labeling units can be of different construction types (wet glue unit, hot glue unit, issuing units for self-adhering labels, labeling units for roll labels, or the like), and each one has its own underframe, if necessary, as well as at least one motor drive of its own.

[0009] Elements for fixing the relative position of the labeling units, the brushing elements, and any additional machine components to the carousel are present on the periphery of the carousel, which elements, in addition to the radial distance, also determine the height, the inclination, and the position on the circumference of the carousel. A complicated and imprecise attachment of the stated components to the floor of the manufacturing hall in order to fix the relative positions can thereby be dispensed with. Horizontal brackets, or brackets which can be adjusted in the circumferential direction on the rotary bearing or frame of the carousel, if necessary, are suitable for this. A ring-shaped construction of the element which is adjusted to the circumference of the carousel is particularly favorable, since any continuous circumferential positionings desired can easily be achieved by that means. This solution makes a rapid change of the labeling units and of additional format parts, such as brushing elements or the like, if necessary, possible for the user of a machine if a conversion to a different equipment or bottle size is supposed to take place, particularly in connection with preset changeable coupling elements which guarantee a rapid and precise self-centering of the corresponding components.

[0010] Because of this concept, a high flexibility for the user of the machine, as well as a simplification of the production and set-up for the producer of the machine, in addition to the outstanding accessibility, are provided by the individual machine modules, which can, if needed, be combined in a changeable or individual manner, as the case may be.

[0011] The separately-standing rotary bearing of the carousel can be formed by a table-like frame construction, and can have inclined surfaces for the improved removal of fluid and dirt, if necessary, as the result of which the cleaning of the machine is facilitated.

[0012] The external contour of the table-like frame construction is advantageously designed to be smaller than the outer periphery of the carousel, and does not project over this in the radial direction. A good accessibility to the carousel is guaranteed by that means. Only one ring encircling the carousel in at least a partially circumferential manner (from the item intake point to the item discharge point) projects slightly over the carousel into a level positioned deeper in the radial direction, as the result of which straight support units for the holding of machine parts, such as protective casings, brushing bodies, or the like, can be advantageously placed directly on the ring without contact with the base, and can be attached, in a detachable and adjustable manner, at any time. Free-standing labeling units can also be fixed to any circumferential positionings on this ring that are desired. This advantage then also comes to bear if the above-stated frame construction of the carousel and the table plate for the transport elements are designed as a single part, or if these are connected with one another in an undetachable manner.

[0013] Further advantageous configurations are the object of the remaining sub-claims.

[0014] One preferred example of implementation is illustrated in the following by means of the figures. These depict the following:

[0015]FIG. 1: A view of a labeling machine from above, in a schematic depiction;

[0016]FIG. 2: A side view of the carousel of the labeling machine in accordance with FIG. 1, in a partially cut-away depiction;

[0017]FIG. 3-a to 3-c: Several variants of a labeling machine, in a schematic view from above;

[0018]FIG. 4: An underframe of a labeling unit, in an enlarged depiction; and:

[0019]FIG. 5: A detail of the labeling machine from FIG. 2, in an enlarged depiction.

[0020] The labeling machine has a carousel (1), which is only indicated by a partial circle in FIG. 1, and has several rotary plates (2) positioned at uniform spacing distances. Furthermore, an intake star wheel (3) and a discharge star wheel (4), the partial circles of which are each in contact with the partial circle of the carousel (1), are additionally present. Both star wheels (3 and 4) are, for the purpose of greater clarity, likewise only indicated in FIG. 1 by their partial circles. On the side of the star wheels (3 and 4) oriented away from the carousel (1), a straight-line conveyor belt (5) is positioned in contact with the partial circles of the same [star wheels], on which [conveyor belt ] an adjusting helix (6) oriented in parallel is positioned at the side, in the area in front of the intake star wheel (3). The adjusting helix (6), the conveyor belt (5), and the star wheels (3, 4) are positioned or supported on a common table plate (7).

[0021] The star wheels (3, 4) are non-rotatably connected, by way of vertical shafts, with toothed wheels (3′, 4′) which are supported in a rotatable manner under the table plate (7) and have partial circle diameters in agreement with the partial circles of the star wheels, which [toothed wheels], for their part, mesh with the toothed drive wheel (10) of an electromotive primary machine drive (20), such as an asynchronous motor with reduction gear which can be adjusted in its rotational speed, for example. A toothed belt pulley (10′) connected with [the toothed drive wheel (10)] in a non-rotating manner, which [toothed belt pulley] engages, by way of a toothed wheel (17), with a toothed belt pulley (16) serving for the driving of the carousel (1), is positioned coaxially with the toothed drive wheel (10). The driving of the adjusting helix (6), as well as of the conveyor belt (5), if applicable, is carried out from the primary machine drive (20) by means of mechanical force transmission elements (toothed wheels, tooth belts, and universal shafts), not depicted in detail, by way of one of the above-stated toothed wheels. It is to be understood that the primary machine drive could, in an alternative manner, also be directly assigned to the carousel (1), or both the table (7) as well as the carousel (1) could each have its own motor, each of which is synchronized with the other, whereby the tooth belt (17) could then be omitted.

[0022] The rotational axis (1′) of the carousel (1), which is formed by a vertical central shaft (1-c), is accommodated by a rotary bearing (11), which is positioned next to the table plate (7) standing separately by itself. This rotary bearing (11), which has a frame (12) designed in a table-like manner, can best be seen in FIG. 2. As depicted there, the frame (12), which stands on support feet (15), supports the central shaft (1-c) in an internally hollow support column (13) which is integrally formed or placed on. The central shaft (1-c) can be driven by means of a toothed belt pulley (16) which is attached, on its lower end, in a non-rotating manner.

[0023] Among other features, a rotary plate (1-a) and an upper part (1-b) of the carousel (1), which is positioned above [the rotary plate] and is adjustable in height, if necessary, is supported in a non-rotating manner on the central shaft (1-c). A casing (18) for the control unit of servomotors (19), which are positioned on the lower side of the rotary plate (1-a) and serve for the program-controlled driving of the rotary plates (2), which are rotatably supported on the rotating table (1-a), is located on the upper end of the central shaft (1-c). A centering bell (8), which can be raised and lowered in the upper part (1-b) of the carousel (1), which [centering bell] can be activated in the known manner by means of a control cam, not depicted, is coordinated with each rotary plate (2). In order to secure the control cam from jointly rotating, a torque support unit fixed to the frame (9) is present.

[0024] For the coordination of the carousel (1) in a correct position with the star wheels (3 and 4), the frame (12) of the rotary bearing (11) is connected with the table plate (7) by means of two supports (21) that bridge over the intermediate space that is present, particularly in a detachable manner, such as by means of threaded joints, fitting rods, or other suitable elements, for example. The connection is facilitated through the positioning of the table plate (7) and the table plate (14) of the frame (12), which are both configured horizontally with an even surface, at equal heights.

[0025] Several brackets (22) extending horizontally radially outwardly are attached to the lower side of the table plate (14) of the frame (12) of the rotary bearing (11), which [brackets] support a ring (23) encircling the carousel (1), at least over partial circumference. This ring (23), which has a larger diameter than the rotary plate (1-a) and lies below this [rotary plate], extends, in the circumferential direction, to close to the edges of the table plate (7) and is provided, on its upper edge, with an inclined surface (23-a) dropping off radially inwardly, while the lower edge is provided with a V-shaped groove (23-b) proceeding in the circumferential direction (FIG. 5). Labeling units (30) can be connected with the radial outer side of the ring (23) at any chosen point. In order to guarantee a rapid changing of the labeling unit (30), on the one hand, and a precise—that is to say, reproducible—positioning to the carousel (1), on the other hand, detachable coupling elements with a centering function are provided in pairs. These are designed, for example, as vertical bolts or pins (29) on which a labeling unit (30) which has a fitting boring (29-a), or the underframe (31) of the same, can be suspended. The stated pins (29) can be attached in a rigid manner, by means of clamping plates or the like, to any desired point of the ring (23). It would, however, be conceivable to movably support the pins (29) for the linking of the labeling units, such as in a vertically displaceable manner, for example, through which a stroke movement of the labeling unit for the attaching or removing can be dispensed with.

[0026] As is evident from FIG. 4, the underframe (31) of a labeling unit has a square tube with borings (29-a) on its side which is oriented towards the ring (23), and displaces V-shaped adjusting helixes (29-b) positioned under the same which are open to the ring (23). This detailed view, marked with an “X”, is depicted in a view from below. By means of a pallet-lifting truck or fork-lift, the underframe (31) can be raised far enough for the suspension on the pins (29) that the borings (29-a) are located above the [upper end of the pin (29)], but the inclined feeding units (29-b) are located further below the upper end of the pin (29), however. By means of a radial moving forward on the pins (29), the inclined feeding units (29-b) center the underframe (31) until the borings (29-a) align axially with the pins (29). In this position, the borings (29-a) are brought into engagement with the pins (29) in a form-locking manner through the lowering of the underframe (31). The exact height and inclination can be adjusted by means of foot units on the underframe (31), which are individually adjustable in height.

[0027] Furthermore, a protective disk (26′), the external contour of which is adjusted to a cross-section in a protective disk (26) encircling the carousel in an extensive manner, is attached to the underframe (31) on the side oriented towards to the carousel (1). Likewise, on the side oriented towards the carousel (1), self-adhesive elements (sponge surfaces, rollers, or brush bodies), not depicted, for the integral forming of labels to the bottles (40) or the like, can be attached to the underframe (31), particularly—viewed from the carousel (1)—in front of the protective disk (26′). Upon a change of a labeling unit, the self-adhesive elements fitting to the specific contour of the bottle are also, in an advantageous manner, always automatically provided by that means. For the purpose of better clarity, the labeling unit is not depicted in FIG. 4.

[0028] The ring (23) functions, furthermore, as a support for support units (24, 25) positioned standing vertically on it, whereby support units (24) serve as holding devices for protective disks (26) encircling the carousel (1) in an extensive manner, which [protective disks] are guided along the support units (24) in a raisable and lowerable manner, and support units (25) which are provided as holding devices for external brush bodies (35) for applying labels to the contour of the bottle. In order to hold internally-positioned brush bodies (36), a support disk (37) is, supported on the rotating table (1-a) and secured against rotation. The support units (24, 25) have, on their lower ends, diagonal reliefs fitting in a form-locking manner with the diagonal surface (23-a) of the ring (23), so that these are oriented in the axial and radial direction to the ring (23) and are fixed, in a radial and axial manner, by means of a locking screw (28) or other detachable attachment engaging in the groove (23-b) and held in a plate (27) which is attached to the lower end of the support units and secures the ring. The torque support units (9) already mentioned can, in the same manner, also be attached to the ring (23) in a non-rotating manner (see FIG. 5).

[0029] The labeling units (30) each have their own underframe (31) which can, if necessary, be designed in a portable manner, with wheels. The underframe (31) has, in addition, a plate supporting the labeling unit (30) and a casing, within which an electromotive drive (32), with its coordinated control unit (34), is accommodated. This control unit (34) is designed in such a manner that it subsequently controls the drive of the labeling unit (30) in a manner adjusted to position, that is to say, in a manner that is synchronous, in position and speed, with the continuous rotational movement of the carousel (1). The drive (32) can be a frequency-controlled asynchronous motor with a rotation coordinating unit (33) for the feedback of actual value to the control unit (34). A rotation coordinating unit (38) serving as a set-point transmitter is located on the carousel (1), which [rotation coordinating unit], upon one rotation of the carousel (1) by a spacing distance of two adjacent rotary plates (2), supplies 5000 cycles or impulses, for example, to the input of the control unit (34) of the unit drive (32), through which a regulated synchronism between the labeling unit (30) and the carousel (1), accurate in rotary angle with a pre-settable transmission ratio, can be achieved. Each labeling unit (30) can be equipped with rapidly detachable plug connections for the supplying of power and compressed air, as well as signal transmission. For the fine tuning of the position of a labeling unit (30), it can be supported radially, tangentially, and adjustable in its height relative to the rotating table (1-a) on its underframe (31), or on the plate of the same.

[0030] The variability of the machine design is visible from the sequence of diagrams (3-a to 3-d). A carousel (1) that is present can be combined, in any manner desired, with a differently-formed intake—and discharge configuration. There can be provided next to a carousel (1), for example, a table plate (7) with two star wheels (3, 4) for the straight transport of the bottles (5) proceeding in an aligning manner in one direction of conveying (FIG. 3-a), or a table plate (7) with three or more star wheels (3-a, 3-b, 4-a, 4-b) for an angular [transport of the bottles] (FIG. 3-c), or a parallel transport of the bottles in the opposite direction, if necessary (5-a, 5-b, 5-c) (FIG. 3-b).

[0031] For the user of such a type of machine, the advantage results from that, upon a change of an existing layout of a bottle filling line, the labeling machine can be flexibly adjusted by changing the table plate (7), or the entire intake—and discharge areas, and by adding a new plate upon the further use of the carousel (1) and of the labeling unit, without purchasing a new machine. Wet glue labeling units (30-a), roll labeling units (30-b), and issuing units (30-c) for self-adhering labels can be combined or exchanged in any manner desired. The wet glue labeling units (30-a) can be designed in a manner corresponding to DE 197 41 476 A1, that is to say, with rotating or oscillating adhesive surfaces for the removal of labels. Each of these adhesive surfaces can be activated, if necessary, by its own, program-controllable electromotive drive.

[0032] The case may arise, on the other hand, that only the carousel (1) is to be changed; for example, a small carousel is replaced by one with a larger diameter if other [labels], or more labels than previously, are to be attached to a bottle (40), for which a longer processing line may be necessary. In this case, the labeling units and the table plate (7) can be retained with the bottle intake—and discharge. Supports (21) with corresponding length and adjusted to the carousel diameter must be provided, however. 

1. A machine for the labeling of items (40), such as containers or the like, with at least one carousel (1), at least one labeling unit (30) for the labeling of items (40) positioned on its periphery, and with synchrononously drivable transport elements (3, 4, 5, 6) for the supplying and removing of the items (40) in a manner adjusted to position, characterized in that, the transport elements (3, 4, 5, 6) are supported on a table plate (7), and the carousel (1) [is supported] in a rotary bearing (11) positioned outside the table plate (7).
 2. A machine in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that, the rotary bearing (11) has a separately standing, preferably table-like frame (12), particularly a table plate (14) with a support column (13) integrally formed or placed on.
 3. A machine in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that, the position of the table plates (7, 14) can be fixed to one another by means of connection elements (21), preferably detachable.
 4. A machine in accordance with claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the table plates (7, 14) are positioned relative to one another at a distance forming a free intermediate area.
 5. A machine in accordance with one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, the upper side of the table plates (7, 14) has inclined surfaces, particularly like those of hipped roofs.
 6. A machine in accordance with one of the claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, drive elements for the carousel (1) [are supported ] on the frame (12) and/or drive elements (3′, 4′, 10, 20) for the transport elements (3, 4, 5, 6) are supported on the table plate (7) supporting the transport elements (3, 4, 5, 6).
 7. A machine in accordance with one of the claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, a drive motor (20) is positioned on one of the table plates (7, 14), and force transmission elements (10′, 16, 17) are present between both table plates (7, 14).
 8. A machine in accordance with one of the claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, the vertical projection surface of the frame (12) supporting the carousel (1) is smaller than that of the carousel (1).
 9. A machine in accordance with one of the claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, the table plate (14) of the frame (12) has an external contour lying within the circumference of the carousel.
 10. A machine in accordance with one of the claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, brackets (22) projecting radially outwardly, which project beyond the circumference of the carousel, are attached to the frame (12).
 11. A machine in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that, the brackets (22) directly or indirectly hold and/or support at least one protective casing (26) encircling the carousel in a partially extensive manner.
 12. A machine in accordance with claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, the brackets (22) support a ring (23) encircling the carousel (1), at least in a partially extensive manner, which [ring] preferably has a larger diameter than the carousel (1).
 13. A machine in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, the table plate (7) for the transport elements supports at least one feeding device (5, 5-a, 6, 3, 3-a, 3-b) and at least one removing device (5, 5-b, 5-c, 4, 4-a, 4-b) for the items (40).
 14. A machine in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that, feeding device and removing device (5) are positioned in a manner aligning to one another.
 15. A machine in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that, feeding device and removing device (5-a, 5-b, 5-c) are positioned proceeding in parallel, particularly in an opposing direction of conveying.
 16. A machine in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that, feeding device and removing device (5-a, 5-b, 5-c) are positioned transversely to one another, particularly proceeding in a rectangular manner.
 17. A machine in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, the transport elements are star wheels (3, 3-a, 3-b, 4, 4-a, 4-b) and/or conveyor belts (5, 5-a, 5-b, 5-c) and/or air conveyor and/or conveying helixes (6) and/or transport belts.
 18. A machine in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that, labeling units (30, 30-a, 30-b, 30-c), which can be placed on the circumference of the carousel (1) as desired, are linked with the ring, particularly by means of detachable, preferably self-centering coupling elements (29, 29-a, 29-b).
 19. A machine in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, the labeling units (30, 30-a, 30-b, 30-c) and/or the underframe (31) accommodating these support a protective disk (26′) and/or self-adhesive elements (35).
 20. A machine in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, the labeling units (30, 30-a, 30-b, 30-c) have their own electromotive drives (32) synchronized for the movement of the carousel (1), the control unit (34) of which [drive ] is preferably integrated into an underframe (31) supporting a labeling unit.
 21. A machine in accordance with claim 20, characterized in that, each labeling unit has rapidly detachable control cams for electrical power supply, exchange of signals with a machine control unit (38), and the provision of compressed air, if necessary.
 22. A machine for the labeling of items (40), such as containers or the like, with at least one carousel (1), at least one free-standing labeling unit (30) positioned on its periphery for the labeling of the items (40), and with synchronously drivable transport elements (3, 4, 5, 6) for the feeding and removing of the items (40) in a manner adjusted to position, characterized in that, elements (21, 22, 23) for fixing the relative position of at least one labeling unit (30) to the carousel (1) are present on the periphery of the carousel (1).
 23. A machine in accordance with claim 22, characterized in that, the elements fixed to the frame are designed as brackets (22) and/or supports (21), which preferably project radially outwardly over the circumference of the carousel.
 24. A machine in accordance with claim 23, characterized in that, the brackets (22) directly or indirectly hold and/or support at least one protective casing (26) encircling the carousel in a partially extensive manner.
 25. A machine in accordance with claim 22, characterized in that, the elements are designed as a ring (23) encircling the carousel (1) in an at least partially extensive manner, which [ring] is preferably supported by brackets (22) projecting radially outwardly from the frame (12) of the carousel and, in particular, has a larger diameter than the carousel (1).
 26. A machine in accordance with claim 25, characterized in that, labeling units (30, 30-a, 30-b, 30-c) which can be placed on the circumference of the carousel (1) are linked to the ring (23), particularly by means of detachable, preferably self-centering coupling elements (29, 29-a, 29-b).
 27. A machine in accordance with claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, the cross-section of the ring (23) is designed in such a manner that the radial distance to the carousel (1) and/or the inclination and/or the height of the components that can be attached to the same can be fixed in a self-centering manner by means of form-locking.
 28. A machine in accordance with claim 27, characterized in that, the ring (23) has, on its upper side, a surface (23-a) inclined to the horizontal proceeding in the circumferential direction.
 29. A machine in accordance with claim 27, characterized in that, the ring (23) has, on its lower side, at least one inclined surface, particularly a V-shaped groove (23-b) proceeding in the circumferential direction.
 30. A machine in accordance with at least one of the claims 22 to 29, characterized in that, the labeling units (30, 30-a, 30-b, 30-c) have their own electromotive drives (32) synchronized for the movement of the carousel (1), the control unit (34) of which [drives] is preferably integrated into an underframe (31) supporting a labeling unit.
 31. A machine in accordance with claim 30, characterized in that, each labeling unit has rapidly detachable plug-in couplings for electrical power supply, the exchange of signals with a machine control unit (38), and the provision of compressed air, if necessary.
 32. A machine in accordance with at least one of the claims 22 to 31, characterized in that, the transport elements (3, 4, 5, 6) are supported on a table plate (7), and the carousel (1) [is supported] in a rotary bearing (11) positioned outside the table plate (7).
 33. A machine in accordance with claim 32, characterized in that, the rotary bearing (11) has a separately-standing, preferably table-like frame (12), particularly a table plate (14) with a support column (13) integrally formed or placed on.
 34. A machine in accordance with claim 33, characterized in that, the position of the table plates (7, 14) to one another can be fixed by elements (21), preferably detachable. 